Look at What I've been up to

These are the newest ponytail holders I've put up on Erika's Chiquis Jewelry.

My lastest addition of crochet corsets or waist cinchers and wrist warmers on Erika's Chiquis.

I've started selling cotton diaper covers. I'm also sewing new panty liners at  Los Chiquitos.

Keep checking back for more new items.

Expendables 2

I'm looking forward to this movie. Loved the first and now they are  adding more action and stars. Totally a guy action movie-oh yeah. EX 2 crush those chick flicks!

Messy House

Yup, I know this look exactly. Even though they have chores to do in the house and I clean it-it seems to last for about 5 minutes.
It's awful when the kids get a snow day and I leave for work with a clean house, my laundry and dishes done and come back to house looking like the photo above. ugh-children!

Sherlock Holmes and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Great movie. Suspenseful, funny and action packed. I loved it and so did my kids. Even though Sherlock Holmes is a bit nutty it is always fun to watch how smart this character is. You feel bad for Watson having to always get sucked into his crazy plans. I won't post any spoilers. The costumes were wonderful and I'm wanting to make some of the jewelry and bustle from this movie and the backgrounds are wonderfully done. The castle with the running waterfall underneath it is just gorgeous. I know another Holmes movie will be made and look forward to it.

I went to watch this movie without knowing a single thing about it. I didn't even see the trailer so it was refreshing not knowing what was going to happen and having the story told to me for the first time. It's rated R and it needed for some intense scenes in it. I really liked the female character in this movie. Instead of being a victim she fights back even harder. She even saves a male character's life - which is not the Hollywood norm. Neither are her looks-which is a great change from the usual caked on make up and sleazy clothes that most females characters are done up in. Her appeal is her determination, intelligence and self confidence. I am looking forward to the next installment of this movie.

Unfinished Projects

I had started this in August after seeing the Domestic Diva's blog about it. I had updated those but I wantd a new list for the New Year. Okay, here we go.

1. I didn't get to finish this for Xmas. I had started early on it but with so many orders and working at my job, I didn't get enough time. I have the fabric to finish with fleece inside and I hope to finish by the end of January.

2. At one point I was going to make these shirts. I'm not going to. It will be going to Goodwill. I'll keep the fabric but I have no desire to finish this.

3. I finished these two quilts but not the third. I want to finish the other quilt and start the Halloween one for me. I'll try to cut out a little each month.

4. Yes, I actually would like to finish this costume. This is the top and I started a while ago the skirt but its only in strips. This will end up a 20 yd or more skirt.

5. This is the costume I wanted to finish that I started in 06'. I need to finish it or get rid of it. It is not exactly  like the photo but similiar in many ways.


So my goal is to finish the Mata Hari(by April) and the X-men jacket(January). Then I want to work on the quilts(May) and the last thing will be the blue pirate costume.(Sep).

Xmas Crackers

To make them-check out this link.

From Squawkfox.com

From SugarBlossom Weddings

Don't know if I'll have time to make one but sounds like a nice project.

Elf Xmas Stockings

I think these are so cute and pretty. I've made my kids a few but I think it is time for new ones.

From Sew form Home -There's also a link for a sewing tutorial.

From Ellen Inspired - Has a tutorial link.

Mason Jars Ideas for Xmas

Xmas Sales @Los Chiquitos,Erika's Chiquis, Erika's Chiquis' Jewelry

             
 If you need an awesome gift -shop Etsy. I have bought most of my Xmas gifts on Etsy. I can't tell you right now what they are just in case my family reads this but I find it so much easier to browse online and find something handmade.

I  am having a 10% off sale in all my Etsy stores from Nov. 27 through Dec. 3. Come and visit. There are many gifts under 10 dollars in all 3 sites.

Cloth Diapers, Cross Stitch Bookmarks, Pillowcases, Crochet Washcloths, Panty Liners and More
http://www.loschiquitos.etsy.com

OOAK Patchwork Skirts, Dance Hair Accessories, Crochet Corsets, Wrist Warmers and More
http://www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

Steampunk/Gothic/Pirate/Vampire/Belly Dance and More Earrings, Hair Pins, Pony Tails, Bracelets, Chokers, Necklaces & More
http://www.erikaschiquisjewelry.etsy.com

Xmas Ideas

Xmas Ideas to make the most of Xmas.

1. Instead of buying people some junk that they will never use, donate that 5.00 dollars or whatever you want to spend, to a charity in their name.
2.Make handmade gifts for family members like cookies, cakes, simple handmade items like scarves, bags, pillow cases and they will appreciate it more than store bought gifts.
3. Ask your kids if they will either make or buy some gift(some charities will take used stuffed animals in good condition) and donate them to charities that give to kids who don't have much. Think hospitals with sick children, Child centers for abused children, Military families with a loved one away for Xmas. It would mean a lot to these children. Perhaps your local church sponsor's families.
4.Make Xmas ornaments,cookies or other items with your kids instead of buying them. I had a blast making the glass ornaments with my boys.
5.If you do gift cards-why don't you buy grocery or gas cards for that person. Many of us had our butts saved with a gift card to gas when we are broke.
6.Help out an elderly neighbor who has a hard time during winter. Maybe offer to drive them to the grocery store or shovel their steps when it snows.
7.Handwritten letters with your Xmas cards. It is nice to receive a hand written letter.
8.Go to one Xmas event that you really, really want to go. Skip the rest. Go to a production to the Ballet Nutcracker or the Symphony Orchestra or a nice fun party that  you want to go to.
9.Don't spend what you don't have. Make sure you take care of your household bills and other bills before you buy that gift. As much as it sucks -your bills won't take a holiday.
10.Most of all, enjoy your time with your family. Have fun celebrating Jesus's Birthday.

Grinch Had the Right Idea

    I really don't like Christmas. Why? Maybe it has to do with working in retail for over 12 years . Maybe it's because I am a woman who has to do all the cleaning, shopping, wrapping, mailing, searching, setting up and whatever else is involved for Xmas to happen. Maybe it's because I'm an adult and can buy anything I want on my own and really don't want anyone spending money on an unthinking last minute gift that will go to Goodwill.

  With the onslaught of horrible Xmas commercials and the pushing of Black Friday for over a week, I feel the disgust. Yes, I think waking up early on the day after Thanksgiving for purchase of more stuff I don't need is stupid,(by the way most of us with a life have to work on that day  or thoughtful people spend time with family members who came to visit). I hated working on Black Friday when I was in retail. With the overflow of  grouchy customers not getting what they want and/or not getting rung quick enough. Heaven forbid you asked to get relieved after 5 hours of ringing up people for a break.
The constant bombardment of spend,spend,spend and purchase this expensive gift for the one you love so they will still love you has made Xmas such a money machine driven holiday. What happened to just enjoying each other's company for one day?

  I miss handwritten mailed Xmas cards and no, greetings e-cards do not count. Also, the gift card  to stores that you never step into is another lack of taking time to care. I miss handmade gifts like cookies or candy or other delicious things that melt in your mouth.

  Anyway, I will mail out my Xmas cards that are handwritten, make my gifts and hopefully have the day off on Xmas Eve so I can sit down and not worry about anything and just enjoy the hanging out with my family and perhaps maybe I won't be such a Grinch but I still think he had the right idea.
  

Marbled Xmas Ornaments

Pouring paint inside the glass ornament.

With his fruit punch mustache, Sean shakes the paint inside the glass ball to spread it.

Nice mess, huh.

Still shaking the paint in it.

Pouring more paint.

Adding purple to his blue ornament.

Shake , Shake , Shake.

This is my dinning room table squished with glass ornaments painted by my kids but mostly my 9 year old. As you can see from the photos he enjoys making them and the mess with it. I suggest if you do this craft with your kids make sure they wear an old shirt and pants. Also make sure you cover your table very well . I used newspaper underneath with a pizza box on top.

This craft creates nice results. Your kids can pour all of kinds of color in there and it ends up looking great after it's shaking.
We already made about 50 ornaments and I will have them make more. 

I used Joann's Fabrics acrylic paints(about 59 cents each) and you can add medium to the ball before you pour the paint inside but it is not necessary. I suggest letting the glass balls dry for about 3 days and make sure you empty them of excess paint inside.

I will be wrapping ribbon around them and then hanging them on our tree this coming week.

Xmas List-Part 2

This is the fabric I am making my kids pj pants from.

Working on my handmade Xmas List.
Here's the list and the update.
1. 3 Quilts for family members.



a. two are cut out( almost done -just need to sew the backing to it)


b. one is sewn up just needs the backing(DONE)


2. 2 Shirts for my dad.


a. need to cut out


3. 3 pj's pants for my boys.


a. need to cut out(All done -just need to hem and add elastic)


4. 2 Spongebob scarfs


a. both crochet but need the face part done(Can't find them-need to look for them)


5. 1 t-shirt front to a sweatshirt


a. need to cut out sleeves

Halloween Fabric

Can't help myself. Love Halloween Fabric.

The Gorilla, The Banana and the Circus Ring Leader-with a little help from Sonic

Here's a photo of our costumes together. Only my 9 year old doesn't quite fit with all of us but he was adorable anyway.
Hubby is the gorilla, 13 year old is the banana and me.

We had fun walking around but hubby had the greatest time hiding and playing with the kids trick or treating. He scared a few but took of his mask for the children who were very scared. What's funny is he even scared adults. Yeah-that's what Halloween is about.

The banana and gorilla costume were rented from Drapeau's Costume shop in Lisbon . Absolutely awesome costume shop.  I also rented the red petticoat under my skirt and my son's Nurse Joker dress.(Yes, I'll have the photo up soon).
You need a costume-you need to definitely go there. I had to rent the Nurse Joker outfit the same day and she opened early for me and got it for me in about 10 minutes. Yeah-cool huh.

Circus Female Ringleader-Gorilla Tamer Costume Part 2

Here's some of the last minute prepartions of this costume. I needed a corset looking  waistband. I sewed this on after gathering the bottom half of the skirt. I then added ribbon to it to make it look like a corset. I then added lots and lots of tulle and did a rollem hem in red.

I wore a red petticoat underneath. It was so much fun swishing through the streets with this on. I had two pairs of leggings including a striped black and white pair with my big lace up black boots. I added flowers to the top and rim of the top hat and added a scarf around it of sequin chiffon. I made the necklace which I'll someday write up a tutorial for.